Determination of Plasma Nonprotein Bound Iron in Newborns with Asphyxia

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of nonprotein bound iron (NPBI) on neonatal postasphyxial reperfusion injury. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of NPBI from 20 asphyxiated newborns were measured serially with the matrix effect free bleomycin assay during 0 to 6 hours, 6 to 12 hours and 12 to 72 hours after birth. They were then compared with those from 20 healthy newborns within 6 hours after birth (controls). RESULTS: The positive NPBI rate was significantly higher in asphyxiated newborns than that in the controls (80% vs 20%). NPBI was significantly elevated in asphyxiated newborns during 0 to 6 hours [( 4.14 ± 2.41 ) μmol/L] and 6 to 12 hours [( 2.26 ± 2.21 ) μmol/L] compared with that in the controls [( 0.28 ± 0.79 ) μmol/L] (P< 0.05 ). The highest level of NPBI was noted during 0 to 6 hours after birth. CONCLUSIONS: NPBI may play an important role in neonatal postasphyxial reperfusion injury.